Quick Answer
The answer is 2 outer. This output occurs because of how Python’s for-else construct behaves in nested loops: the else block attached to the inner for loop only executes if that inner loop completes all its iterations without encountering a break statement. When i equals j, the break exits the inner loop prematurely, skipping the else entirely. For i=0, the inner loop breaks at j=0; for i=1, it breaks at j=1; but for i=2, the inner loop runs through j=0 and j=1 without ever satisfying i == j, so the else fires and prints "2 outer". On the PCEP exam, this question tests your understanding of loop control flow and the often-misunderstood for-else clause, which is a common trap—many candidates assume the else runs after every loop. A helpful memory tip: think of the else as a “no break occurred” reward; it only collects its prize when the loop exits naturally, not through a break.
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of control flow, loops, lists and logic. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A developer writes the following code snippet:
for i in range(3):
for j in range(2):
if i == j:break else:
print(i, 'outer')
What is the output?
0 outer\n2 outer
Why wrong: i=0 also breaks.
2 outer
Only when i=2 does the inner loop complete without break.
0 outer\n1 outer\n2 outer
Why wrong: Incorrect because break prevents else for i=0 and i=1.
No output
Why wrong: There is output for i=2.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
2 outer
The code uses nested loops with a `for-else` construct. The `else` block executes only if the inner loop completes without a `break`. When `i == j`, the `break` exits the inner loop, skipping the `else`. For `i=0`, `j=0` triggers `break`; for `i=1`, `j=1` triggers `break`; for `i=2`, the inner loop runs `j=0,1` without any `i==j` (since 2 != 0 and 2 != 1), so the `else` executes, printing `2 outer`. Thus, only option B is correct.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
0 outer\n2 outer
Why it's wrong here
i=0 also breaks.
2 outer
Why this is correct
Only when i=2 does the inner loop complete without break.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
0 outer\n1 outer\n2 outer
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because break prevents else for i=0 and i=1.
No output
Why it's wrong here
There is output for i=2.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the `for-else` behavior in nested loops, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think the `else` runs after every outer iteration or that `break` only exits the outer loop, when in fact `break` only exits the innermost loop and the `else` is tied to that inner loop's completion status.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
There is output for i=2.
Detailed technical explanation
The `for-else` construct in Python is a unique feature where the `else` clause runs after the loop finishes normally (i.e., not terminated by a `break`). This is useful for search operations, such as scanning a list for an item and performing an action only if the item is not found. Under the hood, Python tracks whether a `break` was executed via a flag in the bytecode, making the `else` block conditional on loop completion without interruption.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the PCEP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic — This question tests Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 2 outer — The code uses nested loops with a `for-else` construct. The `else` block executes only if the inner loop completes without a `break`. When `i == j`, the `break` exits the inner loop, skipping the `else`. For `i=0`, `j=0` triggers `break`; for `i=1`, `j=1` triggers `break`; for `i=2`, the inner loop runs `j=0,1` without any `i==j` (since 2 != 0 and 2 != 1), so the `else` executes, printing `2 outer`. Thus, only option B is correct.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This PCEP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCEP exam.
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